What is 4-H Cloverbuds?
4-H Cloverbuds is an educational, youth development opportunity specifically for 5- and 6-year-old children. The 4-H Cloverbuds program is an optional 4-H program.
Who can be a 4-H Cloverbud?
To be eligible to participate, a child must have celebrated his or her 5th or 6th birthday before January 1 of the current year. When a child reaches the age of eligibility for traditional 4-H programs (age 7 or older), the child and his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) can decide whether to transition their child into 4-H club membership.
Can 4-H Cloverbuds select a 4-H project to complete?
No, 4-H Cloverbuds is activity-focused, meaning that 4-H Coverbuds participate in supervised, noncompetitive, and age-appropriate events and activities, rather than projects.
Why is the 4-H Cloverbuds Program activities-based rather than project-based?
Developmentally appropriate activities for 5- and 6-year-olds focus on processes that help a child begin building life skills, such as learning to learn and making friends. The curriculum for 4-H Cloverbuds is designed to help youth begin building a foundation of transferable skills that he or she will be able to apply to a variety of activities as they grow.
Are project records kept?
Projects are not part of the 4-H Cloverbuds curriculum, keeping a record book is not necessary.
Can 4-H Cloverbuds exhibit at the county fair and/or participate in shows and exhibitions?
4-H Cloverbuds are encouraged to showcase a product, poster or notebook of 4-H Cloverbuds activities. Suggested locations include noncompetitive show-and-tell-type displays at county fairs, libraries, schools, 4-H Parents’ Nights, 4-H Achievement Nights, churches, community festivals, parades, etc.
Goals for Kansas 4-H Cloverbuds
- Self-understanding skills (Initiating independence and self-direction)
- Social skills (Getting along with others)
- Decision-making skills (Making positive choices)
- Learning skills (Learning to learn)
- Mastering physical skills (Enjoying constructive and creative play)
Principles for Kansas 4-H Cloverbuds
- Fun
- Activity focused
- Noncompetitive
- Group-centered learning
- Leader directed
- Positive
- Success oriented
Cloverbud & Family Resources
- Kansas 4-H Cloverbuds Tips for Parents and Children
- Kansas 4-H Cloverbuds Guide
- Kansas 4-H Cloverbuds Policies
- Clover Outline & Directions
